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Dunstan Grove

Lindfield, NSW | Residential

About the Project

Client:
Defence Housing Australia

Location
Lindfield, NSW

About the Project

Part of Crimson Hill, a master-planned community in Lindfield, Dunstan Grove includes two apartment buildings which border the natural bush setting of Lane Cove National Park. Arcadia was commissioned by Architectus to create open spaces which integrate the architectural built form with the rich natural landscape.

Client:
Defence Housing Australia

Location
Lindfield, NSW

Brief

Arcadia was briefed to produce a landscape which unites the unique, high quality natural environment of Lane Cove National Park with the architectural built form of the Dunstan Grove apartments. From the outset, the design was driven by the existing topography, water courses and native plants. The resulting bushland interface and central courtyard respond to the existing landscape of the site.

Design Process

When designing the landscape for Dunstan Grove the built form was a key driver in defining the space, character and materiality. The forming of the walls and spaces respond to the angular nature of the architecture while creating comfortable central zones for habitation. The interface with the National Park and existing vegetation was managed carefully to ensure the development nestled into and became part of this context.

Context and Materiality

Arcadia needed to find a way to soften the projected built edge of the basement carpark which stepped half a level in the middle of the communal open space. The landscape solution uses the level change to create deep planters for mature tree plantings within the site, and to assist in concealing and breaking down the level change and associated structure.

Project Completion

Arcadia's design has framed Dunstan Grove with a bushland interface using a native species palette to give a seamless connection of the build form to the adjacent bushland and streetscape. Native plantings also provide screening and break up the views between the build forms. The central courtyard has been designed for significant solar access, with a passive turfed area and communal BBQ. Native species have been used for screening and shade, whilst the concrete and timber finishes of the tables and seating provide a connection to the National Park surrounds.